THEY sunk to their knees, disappointed and exhausted in equal measure. But deep down Leigh knew they had blown it.

For a third time this season they were on the wrong end of a titanic struggle against Widnes. And again much of it was of their own making.

Had they been able to control possession better and not turned the ball back over with alarming frequency they would have have been top of the Northern Ford Premiership today.

Instead, Leigh are left reflecting on a 9-6 away defeat that drops them to third place and facing an almighty scrap over the last four games for a leading end of season position.

Not that Widnes were much better. They too handled poorly and it was only an interception try midway through the second half that ultimately decided matters.

If you wanted pretty, fancy football this wasn't the place to be. This was a game trapped in a time-warp as both teams slugged it out toe-to-toe in midfield.

Both defences were awesome, and, while there were mistakes aplenty, a record NFP crowd of 5,230 was kept spellbound by the passion, commitment and drama that unfolded in front of them.

Even the weather played it's part in adding to the sense of theatre. Starting in blazing sunshine and baking temperatures the stadium was hit by a second half thunderstorm that brought an electrifying finish to a high-voltage game.

But the first half was as tight as a drum - a war of attrition with neither side prepared to take a backward step.

Leigh probably created the better openings. But each time they got within striking distance they came up with crucial errors. Wingers Paul Wingfield and James Arkwright went closest to breaking the deadlock while Wingfield missed with a presentable penalty shot at goal.

Suffocating defence kept Widnes at bay, but just when it looked like the half would end scoreless, Mark Hewitt clipped over a drop goal.

Paul Anderson should have put Leigh ahead when, thirteen minutes into the second half, he was put clear by Jamie Kennedy, but, with support on both sides, he opted to chip the full-back, the ball landing harmlessly in the grateful arms of Widnes winger Simon Verbickas.

The introduction of sub Saf Patel had a dramatic effect at both ends of the field.

His first touch of the ball brought him a try, Heath Cruickshank's break and overhead pass ran free for Patel to gather and slide in for a try goaled by Wingfield.

Cruickshank's influence on the game was to grow by the minute; two cover tackles on Paul Mansson and George Mann were right up there with the best.

But when Patel tried a long pass down the line it invited trouble and Kiwi Mansson needed no second invitation as he swooped to beat the Leigh cover in a 40-metre sprint to the posts for a try goaled by Hewitt. Six minutes later he struck a crucial penalty.

It could still have gone either way as Leigh threw everything at the Widnes defence in the final 20 minutes. Yet they still couldn't control the ball and were left to lick their self-inflicted wounds.

LEIGH: Donlan; Wingfield, Ingram, Kerr, Arkwright; Bowker, Purtill; Street, Higham, Cruickshank, Anderson, Kendrick, Kennedy. Subs: Norman, Patel, Whittle, Halliwell. Attendance: 5,230.

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